The 8 Best Mini PC Sticks

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in December of 2015. Just when you thought computers couldn't get much smaller, along comes these mini PC sticks. Not much bigger than a thumb drive, these tiny devices let you take your processing power anywhere in your pocket, then plug them into any TV or monitor to run Windows applications, stream media, surf the Web, and more. You'll finally be free of lugging around a laptop everywhere you go.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial
selections,
we may earn commissions to
help fund the Wiki.
Skip to the best mini pc stick on Amazon.

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in December of 2015. Just when you thought computers couldn't get much smaller, along comes these mini PC sticks. Not much bigger than a thumb drive, these tiny devices let you take your processing power anywhere in your pocket, then plug them into any TV or monitor to run Windows applications, stream media, surf the Web, and more. You'll finally be free of lugging around a laptop everywhere you go.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial
picks,
we may earn commissions to
help fund the Wiki.
Skip to the best mini pc stick on Amazon.

8. Asus VivoStick TS10-B017D

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

The Asus VivoStick TS10-B017D features one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port. It can be controlled easily by either downloading the intuitive Asus VivoRemote app to your smart device or by using a wireless mouse and keyboard.

7. Intel Compute Stick CS525

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

We actually find the Intel Compute Stick CS525 to be the best option out there when it comes to stick-based PCs, but only for technically inclined buyers. It has a super fast m5 processor, but the average user won't appreciate having to install their own OS.

6. Nexbox ACECP W5

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

With a 1.83 GHz processor, the Nexbox ACECP W5 rarely lags when you open applications or switch between tasks. It can turn any TV or monitor with an HDMI port into a fully functioning computer or video streaming entertainment center.

5. Asus ChromeBit CS10

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

The Asus ChromeBit CS10 runs the blazing fast and incredibly responsive Chrome OS. It comes in at a budget-friendly price, is available in black or pink, and has a durable housing that can stand up to being tossed in a bag or pocket for regular transport.

4. Intel Compute Stick CS125

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

The Intel Compute Stick CS125 can be used as your travel PC when you don't want to deal with the hassle of lugging around a laptop, as it can handle document editing, web browsing, and video streaming. It comes with Windows 10 Home edition.

3. Azulle A-1063

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

The Azulle A-1063 is a fanless model that is equipped with 4GB of RAM. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi for fast and stable internet speeds, is one of the only stick computers with an Ethernet port, and can support microSD cards with up to 128GB of storage space.

2. Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

The Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300 comes with a clean Windows 10 Signature Edition OS. This allows you to run it to its full potential without having to worry about unwanted bloatware slowing down its processes in the background.

1. Intel Compute Stick CS325

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

VIDEO

Coming with international adapters, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of onboard memory, and a fast m3-6Y30 processor, the Intel Compute Stick CS325 is literally ready to go anywhere and do anything. It also supports the quickest 802.11ac wireless networking standard.

How Mini PC Sticks Are So Small

The motherboard was the first source of major innovation that led to a reduction in size of computers.

Combining CPUs and GPUs into a single chip is another factor that has helped manufacturers miniaturize PCs.

Looking at a small, seemingly unimpressive PC stick, one might be fooled into thinking it is just another thumb drive, but they are so much more. Manufacturers are now able to pack fully functioning PCs into a case the size of a standard USB storage drive. This is possible because of a number of factors.

Moore's Law, which was formulated by co-founder of Intel Gordon E. Moore in 1965, essentially states that "the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years." This means that every two years, it is possible to reduce the size of hardware like microchips and microprocessors by 50%. Since his findings in 1965, this has proven to be accurate.

Looking at some vital components of a PC, we can see this process in action. The motherboard was the first source of major innovation that led to a reduction in size of computers. Between 2000 and 2007, VIA Technologies, a hardware manufacturer, made notable breakthroughs in miniaturizing motherboards. First the standard ATX was reduced to the Micro ATX, which was then followed by further size reductions to the Mini ITX, Nano ITX, and finally the Pico ITX.

At the same time motherboards were being miniaturized, manufacturers were also focusing on integrated peripherals. These are PC components that were previously add-ons, but were now being integrated directly into the motherboard. Components like modems, Ethernet ports, audio output, and Bluetooth no longer required separate devices to be included within the computer case. Everything was handled by the motherboard.

Combining CPUs and GPUs into a single chip is another factor that has helped manufacturers miniaturize PCs. A new chip known as the APU is able to perform the tasks of both a CPU and a GPU, while using less power. For the average computer user's demands, an external graphics card is no longer needed.

The exclusion of optical media drives in most computers has also allowed for additional size reduction. CDs and DVDs are no longer commonly used as a means to transfer and store data. Instead there are a number of more efficient alternatives, like USB drives and cloud storage.

Making The Most Of A Mini PC Stick

As nice as it sounds to replace a full-sized desktop with a mini PC stick, the technology might not be ready just yet for most of us. For those who don't demand much more from their PCs than web browsing, media streaming, and running some light programs like Skype, a mini PC stick may actually be the perfect desktop alternative.

With these trusty devices in hand, any hotel TV becomes an impromptu workstation.

Streaming media from a mini PC stick is easy and convenient. They are smaller and more portable than the average media streaming device, plus many come with a full windows 10 operating system. They are also easy to use and don't require one to carry around extra cables to connect them to a big screen TV. Just plug the PC stick directly into any TV's HDMI port and start streaming movies. Most also have a microSD card slot allowing users to watch stored movies or view pictures.

For frequent travelers, mini PC sticks are a dream come true. Instead of carrying a laptop on trips, one can just bring a PC stick, a foldable keyboard, and a mouse. With these trusty devices in hand, any hotel TV becomes an impromptu workstation. Users can work on Word documents or PowerPoint presentations without the hassle of lugging around a laptop. Since mini PC sticks have Wi-Fi, users will also have access to any of their cloud storage services like Dropbox and OneDrive.

Choosing The Right Mini PC Stick

When it comes time to pick a mini PC stick, one of the foremost considerations should be the operating system. Often picking the right operating system will dictate how user friendly the device is, thereby dictating how often you will use it.

This is no surprise when one considers they were first developed for use in smartphones.

As nice as mobile operating systems like Android and iOS are on smartphones, they are ideally suited to touchscreen applications. This is no surprise when one considers they were first developed for use in smartphones. Because of this, most users will find mini PC sticks with a desktop-based operating system like Windows or Linux the most user friendly. Another option is to choose a PC stick that offers both a mobile and desktop operating system.

Storage space can also make a big difference in a PC stick's usability. Ideally one should look for one that has a minimum of 32GB onboard storage, and a microSD card slot. This gives you enough space to install a programs that you want to be able to use, while still leaving some space leftover for important files like pictures and documents. The microSD card slot allows you to add a lot of additional storage space by inserting a 128GB microSD card. This effectively gives a PC stick 160GB of storage space.

If you want your PC stick to be able to accomplish some light computing like running Microsoft word, Skype, media players, and browsing websites without lagging as you scroll, then a model with 2GB of RAM should be chosen. Anything less and you may run into problems when trying anything more than media viewing.

Statistics and Editorial Log

Granular Revision Frequency

Related Wikis

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.

Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships,
free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except
in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking.
For our full ranking methodology, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs
from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees
when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price,
which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website.
If you believe that your product should be included
in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.